The Parson's chameleon is a large species of chameleon, a lizard in the familyChamaeleonidae. The species is endemic to isolated pockets of humid primary forest in eastern and northern Madagascar. It is listed on CITES Appendix II, meaning that trade in this species is regulated. While most chameleon species from Madagascar can not be legally exported, a limited number of Parson's chameleon can be legally exported each year from its native country.
Among the largest chameleons in the world, C. parsonii males have ridges running from above the eyes to the nose, forming two warty horns. There are two recognized subspecies: The widespread Calumma p. parsonii reaches up to in total length, about the size of a cat, and has no dorsal crest. Calumma p. cristifer, from near Andasibe, reaches, and has a small dorsal crest. Several colour variants are known within the range typically included in the nominate subspecies, but it is unclear if they are best considered morphs or different subspecies. This includes "orange eye" aka "white-lipped", where the male is relatively small and mainly green or turquoise but with yellow or orange eyelids; "yellow lip" where the male is somewhat larger and mainly green or turquoise, but with a yellow edge to the mouth; "yellow giant" where the male is very large and overall yellowish ; and "green giant" where the male is overall green. Males of C. p. cristifer are overall green or turquoise. Females of both subspecies are smaller than the males and overall greenish, yellowish or brownish.
Diet
The Parson's chameleon is omnivorous, eating most plants, insects, and possibly small birds. It is primarily listed as an insectivore because its diet mainly consists of mantises, large beetles, moths, and roaches including the Madagascar hissing cockroach. It has been speculated to eat small mammals and birds and is known to eat other lizard species. It utilizes its prehensile tail as an anchor by fastening itself to trees or branches while it searches for and devour prey. The Parson's chameleon captures its prey by shooting out its sticky projectile tongue. Its tongue acts as a suction cup; food is seized and swallowed almost whole. A chameleon's lack of movement as well as environment-adapted skin change enable the predators to catch prey off-guard. Parson's chameleons congregate at certain times of the year. For example, when coffee plants are blooming, they can be found on the coffee plants waiting for insects, such as the turnip moth.
Life span
The Parson's chameleon is one of the longest-lived chameleon species with a highestminimum age of 9 years for males and 8 years for females. C. parsonii can reach an exceptional long lifespan in captivity. Longevity in the wild was estimated at 10 to 12 years and in captivity, animals of 14 years were recorded, which is unique among chameleons. The great longevity and the sexual maturity reached at least for some individuals after two or three years, make this species particularly susceptible to threats such as over-collection.
Reproduction
In captivity, females of Parson's chameleon lay up to 50 eggs per clutch; the eggs can take up to two years to hatch. The female's reproductive cycle allows for egg laying only once every two years. The hatchlings are independent once they dig themselves out of their underground nest. Once the nest is dug, eggs are laid, and buried, the female's parental obligations are concluded. Parents do not contribute any care towards the young.
